Check-in: NH Santo Stefano in Turin, Italy

I think Turin is one of my new favorite cities in Italy… We only had a day to spend here but were able to see and do so much in just a short period of time, mainly because our hotel – NH Santo Stefano – was perfectly situated in the city. If you’re heading to Turin and looking for a hotel, make sure to read this review.

Check-in: NH Santo Stefano in Turin, Italy

Location

If you’re trying to see the historical sites in Turin, Italy the NH Santo Stefano makes for an ideal hotel location. Just steps from the NH Santo Stefano sits the remains of an old Roman theater and city wall, a medieval tower and Pingone’s house. In fact, NH Santo Stefano has a sky view on its top floor for guests to see the city, complete with a map and short description of the buildings you’re able to see from the tower. It’s a great place to get your bearings and figure out which way you’re going to be heading out to. (Make sure to check out my post on things to do in Turin.)

NH Santo Stefano is a few blocks from Piazza Castello and a short walk (two blocks) to the Dumo and the Cathedral where The Shroud of Turin is kept. (I highly suggest you stop in to see The Shroud of Turin, it’s pretty interesting.) As for shopping it’s a few blocks off of Via Roma, known for great shopping in the area.

NH Santo Stefano is a block off from the trolley line and bus line. From the two major train station (Porta Nuova and Porta Nuova and Porta Susa) it’s a short cab ride (about 10 euros) or a 15-20 minute walk. The walk really isn’t too difficult but if you’re not familiar with the area, dealing with luggage a cab may be your best option. (Here’s a map and directions.)

Rooms

The hotel has done a great job incorporating its historical setting in Turin – Italy’s first capital. When you walk into the hotel you enter a circular red reception room that’s walls are lined with a staircase leading you to each floor and ultimately the sky view floor. The artwork lining the walls tells – in both Italian and English – the story of Turin. You’re literally getting a history lesson when you take the stairs. (There is an elevator if you choose.)

There are a variety of guest rooms at NH Santo Stefano, pricing varies (by a few euros) depending on your room selection. Note, few if any rooms offer king and queen sized beds. Most options include a double and/or two twin beds. We opted for two twin beds and I was pleasantly surprised to see they had them arranged more as a king sized bed. Note, the beds do have wheels so you can easily move them together or separate them.

The bedroom itself was a good size – big enough for the two beds, nightstands and a desk that lined the back wall. It also had a window that opened into the courtyard. There are rooms facing the city street but I would think the interior rooms would be quieter.

The bathroom is very large with an over-sized bathtub/shower. Both the bedroom and bathroom were extremely clean and complete with plush, white linens.

Dining

The NH Santo Stefano has an onsite restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. I have to admit, I loved the outdoor courtyard. Filled with modern seating, surrounded by views of old Italian Baroque buildings. It’s a very peaceful setting to enjoy a meal, an amazing cheese board or just a glass of wine. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is complementary.

If you’re not in the mood for a meal but need a drink and/or small plate the NH Santo Stefano has a separate bar area as well. We chose to enjoy our wine and cheese in the outdoor courtyard BUT the inside bar is very warm and welcoming. The walls are lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a grand piano sits in the back just waiting for someone to bust out “Piano Man”.

Amenities

• Complimentary / free Wifi
• Complimentary / free breakfast
• Onsite restaurant
• Air conditioning (it’s not always the case in Italian hotels)
• Four meeting rooms and business center
• Multilingual staff

Rates

Aprox 150 euros. Note: If you have an American Express Card check with the AMEX travel to use your points for a discount. We were able to book our room this route.

Bottom Line

NH Santo Stefano is a fabulous hotel in an excellent location for those wishing to see Turin. While the location was perfect for us, the room, courtyard and onsite dining made our stay one we’ll remember. If we head back to Turin, we will be visiting NH Santo Stefano again.

Sip in More of Italy…